1
as in terrifying
causing fear
a formidable, irascible old man who frightened the neighborhood children
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
running a marathon is a formidable undertaking
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of formidable
The cost of the tariffs is formidable, Sebestyen said — but so is the volatility and unpredictability of the way they’re being imposed.
—
Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Aug. 2025
The defense expects to be formidable, especially with the tenacity and experience of twin brothers Rex and Porter Connors.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2025
The bullpen, led by closer Edwin Díaz, looks formidable.
—Will Sammon, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Minnesota Twins – Faced with formidable financial worries, the former home of Harmon Killebrew, Tony Oliva, Rod Carew, and Jim Kaat spent the deadline dumping salaries.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formidable
Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Aug. 2025
The defense expects to be formidable, especially with the tenacity and experience of twin brothers Rex and Porter Connors.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2025
The bullpen, led by closer Edwin Díaz, looks formidable.
—Will Sammon, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Minnesota Twins – Faced with formidable financial worries, the former home of Harmon Killebrew, Tony Oliva, Rod Carew, and Jim Kaat spent the deadline dumping salaries.
—Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for formidable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for formidable
Adjective
-
In his first-ever manuscript, the 19-year-old English major imagined a terrifying dystopian death game.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
29 Aug. 2025
-
The first movie revolved around a bride’s (Weaving) wedding night which takes a sinister turn when her eccentric new in-laws force her to take part in a terrifying game.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Palace’s recruitment strategy depends on selling players, however difficult such deals are to stomach.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
22 Aug. 2025
-
The Chamber said the cancellation was a difficult decision but ultimately the best course of action.—
Addison Wright,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Trump’s project has emboldened ICE agents in frightening ways, too.—
Margaret Talbot,
New Yorker,
23 Aug. 2025
-
Her treatment began on May 20, 2024 at Michiana Hematology Oncology in Mishawaka, Indiana, but immediately took a frightening turn.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Taking the most challenging courses available — like AP, IB, honors, or dual enrollment classes — signals preparedness for college-level work.—
Liz Doe Stone,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Getting the Supreme Court to take this case at all is going to be extremely challenging.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Residents recount a scary night and a quiet Chapman.—
Gillian Stawiszynski,
The Enquirer,
31 Aug. 2025
-
In the story, lots of animals go through scary experiences, but each reacts differently and has its own way of coping.—
Allison Aubrey,
NPR,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Breaking through as in independent act has never been tougher.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Even if increasing competition and financial obstruction have influenced summer recruitment, making this season’s challenges tougher, the confidence in Unai Emery and Villa’s football department remains unerring.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
While the latter is known for its legendarily terrible English localization, both of these were highly innovative horizontal scrolling shmups for their time.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Whether your team is in the middle of a winning run or mired in terrible form, five minutes looking at the standings can convince you that a hundred different futures are possible.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Students must fall below an income cap and meet Vanderbilt's rigorous admissions standards to get in.—
The Tennessean,
The Tennessean,
28 Aug. 2025
-
There are any number of predictable ways this scenario might have developed but the film is rigorous in its rejection of clichés or simple fixes.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Formidable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/formidable. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share